2017 ICT4D Conference

We collected data from about 7000 small-scale farmers in 12 countries using the World Bank's tool Survey Solutions, automated the data Analysis and created an online database that is easy to use for non-quantitative people running the programme on which the data is based. The innovation in this approach is the speedy connection between data collection, analysis and feedback to the data users.

The German Development Cooperation (GIZ) is running a programme called “Green Innovation Centres for the Agriculture and Food Sector” on behalf of Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. The innovation centres are designed to drive rural change in 13 developing countries through innovations in agriculture.

In a baseline study for this programme, we surveyed 7000 smallholder farmers and collected data in Burkina Faso, Benin, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Malawi, Nigeria, Togo, Tunisia and Zambia (12 of the 13 programme countries). Focus group discussions served to put the survey data in context. The goal was to understand the target population with respect to poverty, hunger, agricultural production and marketing and innovations. The baseline data not only serves as a basis for evaluating the programme. On the basis of new data, those running the programme can inform themselves on the needs and innovation potentials of their target groups.